Apple redesigns iWork, iLife apps, makes them free for Mavericks, iOS 7 users

Along with a couple of new iPads, MacBook Pros and a host of other announcements, Apple has also announced that it has updated it iLife suite of apps for Mac and iOS. These apps come just in time for OS X Mavericks and iOS 7’s update.

Apple has announced that all these apps have been upped to 64-bit and are integrated with iCloud now. For those not in the know, the iWork suite of productivity apps feature Pages, Numbers and Keynote while iLife creativity apps include iPhoto, iMovie and GarageBand. To add to the new look, Apple has announced that both iWork and iLife are now free with the purchase of any new Mac or iOS device.

Free now

Calling this “the biggest day for apps in Apple’s history,” Apple’s Senior Vice President of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue said that these new apps will deliver seamless performances. iWork now has a new, unified file format for document fidelity across Mac, iOS, iCloud and iWork for iCloud beta and that includes support for real-time collaboration. It also has a new UI and a flat design to go along with it.

iPhoto for Mac and iOS are now in 64-bit, which means browsing and editing get a speed boost. It has a clean new iOS 7-like design and new tools to create better images. You can now also share images as custom slideshows, order prints for panoramas or even hard cover books using Multi-touch.  iMove for Mac and iOS also has a redesign as well as simpler editing tools and effects. You can create movies on your iPhone and iPad too and use iMovie Theater – yes that’s a thing now – to watch your shared clips, movies and trailers on all Apple devices including Apple TV.

Includes GarageBand

The biggest change of them all has come to GarageBand for Mac – a new look, new Sound Library and features like Drummer and Smart Control. For the iOS version of the app, GarageBand has been updated to match iOS 7’s look and feel. You can now record third-party music apps into GarageBand with iOS 7 Inter-App Audio and AirDrop will let you wirelessly share your song projects with other iOS users.

Both suite of apps are free for Mavericks and iOS 7 users and are available for download on their respective app stores. GarageBand has gone free for OS X Mavericks and iOS 7 users too. Additional sounds on the app, though, are available for a one-time in-app purchase of $4.99 for each platform.